This was from a few years ago, but it relates to today as well. It is a late instar monarch caterpillar (Danaus plexippus) about 10 of which Johann raised as a summer project. The hardest part was finding their food. The caterpillars eat milkweeds, which, being weeds, most people get rid of. We found it only in two locations in all of the general Mystic area - a cemetery and behind one of the old factories.
Ever hear of a book called Miss Rumphius
? A lady who traveled he world, then came home to Maine and sowed lupine seeds all over the countryside as she took her daily walks. Well, we are seeding all the semi-wild spots we can find with a mix of native flowers (many of which are considered weeds) essential to local insect and bird populations, including native milkweeds.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Suborder: Macrolepidoptera
Family: Danaidae
Genus: Danaus
Species: Danaus plexippus
Or if you prefer..,
“We’re watching you!!”
or maybe “Let your conscience be your guide….but screw up and it’s an invert in your ear!”
With a flash and all three of my extension tubes (68mm) on the 100mm macro lens, I was able to get this shot. It took 6 shots to get this one, each one nudging the focus a hair forward from what I thought was close but maybe to far back (it was). I think this one is on focus best. Next time it’ll be a tripod and flash, higher ISO and more depth of field.
Rotated in Lightroom. Can anyone provide an ID?
Today was a good day. Some time in the garden with Tammy and Johann, a nap while Johann played the drums and then homemade pizza and some family time after dinner. Even got a few photographs in the garden, including a couple of “keepers”, like this one.
A good day.
Green ?
Originally uploaded by eclectic echoes.
It’s been awhile since I did much photography. A bit here and there but not enough, and I haven’t posted much either. Family, work and school keep me too busy. (Mostly school and work) but I am resolved to make sure to enjoy life more than these last two semesters have allowed me to. So I am going to start dyeing (Shibori and indigo) again and more getting out there for photography and posting at flickr again, even if “out there” is only in the backyard. But then that is where I found my image for the Life Photo Meme…on more than one level. (Thanks Dorid!)
This little critter, is unknown to me. Looks almost like it would be a juvenile stage of a grasshopper, but somehow I don’t think so. Pretty bad for someone who helps run a blog about invertebrates, yes? But then I am mostly into marine invertebrates. Anyways…
He was found in the hydrangea bush in our new garden… one that I hope to spend more time enjoying this year… especially the basil and macro photography opportunities.
If anyone can ID this critter, please feel free to leave a coment.
